Why Not?

[casear2727]

(03-10-2022, 05:03 PM)oncemoreuntothejimbreech Wrote: Van Jefferson is on his rookie contract, was drafted two years ago, and didn't produce his first year. Are you going to draft a WR in the 2nd round this year and wait for him to develop for next year?

It doesnt matter to me.  In my opinion our offense scheme is dependent on WR1, WR2 and RB - WR3 was relied upon more this past season due to the fact we must place a short/quick pass game.  If we become a more vertical team (not just go routes) the reliance on that WR3 lessens.

In my opinion WR3, the position, is less priority with a better oline.  Bates is a luxury.  If our oline is not up to par we should have no luxuries, and for Fred I will say it again - "we should never pay WR3 more than 4 starters combined on the oline if that line is as horrid as ours was".

Now if the oline was humming I would not say anything. I think the future will prove my point true when Bates walks with zero value in return and we never, ever pay a WR3 this high % amount again.

If Bates had carried us more this postseason I would feel different. Had he run the correct route in the redzone and scored a TD to secure the game AND not dropped an 8 yard pass on 3rd down late in the 4th to keep us alive - I could see it.  But his play, when it counted most, came up short revealing a very good in-season player that did not produce enough in the playoffs to compensate for the low paid oline guys we had causing so many issues.

I simply think the best oline we can get will improve production for the top wideouts and running game that the slot isnt required to be a luxury player. We will still have one and hopefully a good one, there are so many receivers. But while we pay Mixon 11-13M we need to run the ball and extend the field with a deliberate mid range passing attacks.

All that said, I truly hope Bates has 2 kick ass seasons and wins the MVP as we get 2 rings and you can tell me you told me so, Im cool with that.